So we finally got organized and had some family pictures taken with a local pro. Cassandra Hamilton Photography was recommended by some friends, and we spent the morning a few weeks ago with her. It was awesome. Something about dad not trying to get the kids to listen, pose, be in a certain position, and of course catching all 4 of us in 1 pic.

So our plans to head north were altered last minute by a little bridge blow out on the I-5. So, staycation it was. We did the ProClub swimming pool, big breakfasts, the Exotic Car show at Chateau St Michelle, the Museum of Flight Historic plane day, Kirkland park, library and Zeeks, and a ton of giggles. Here are some photo highlights.

Shaking their sillies out at dinner time….. to JT.

Gavin enjoying the drivers seat of a 2003 H1 Military grade Hummer.

Then, the Bugatti Veyron. In Orange. It could be any cooler. Only 1.5M

Then the Italians……..

Plenty of funs and sillies all weekend. We caught Gav having a set of giggles at dinner…….

This week Gav celebrated turning 5, and it was a real milestone for everyone. I cant believe 5 years ago I stood in our bedroom arguing with Daph who was doubled over (in labour) who was claiming it was ‘indigestion’. HAHA……Its been an awesome 5 years, but I cant believe how quickly it has passed. From that scene to where we are now, looking at Kindergarten , school districts, yet another pair of shoes, taking the training wheels off the bike, managing the iPad and TV time……

Gav has grown into a (tall) kind and gentle little fella, who has a good natured heart, soft personality, and affectionate approach to things. He also has serious wheels . Of course daddy is taking the credit for the hops, (lack of) and the physical ability, sarcasm (don’t ask mommy about that) Maybe some of that goodness is from being the first (and the nurturing first time, learning parents give) but we would like to think some of it rubbed off from his parents . He is an amazing little guy. Just amazing.

He was counting down the big day for about a week, telling us (and random strangers) that next Tuesday he was turning 5, and he was going to be older than his sister. (he already was older). The night before the day arrived, and he could barely contain himself. On the weekend he had stumbled on his sister and mom wrapping his presents, and although he didn’t see anything, the idea he was going to get some presents excited him to the bone. He was so excited he was visibly shaking, jumping up and down, running to tell daddy he was going to get some presents for his birthday.

While he slept, dad pimped out his bedroom right under his eyes. Balloon bouquet, streamers, hanging banners, and covering his door in more streamers. Kitchen too. When he woke up, he was speechless……

Birthday breakfast was a trip to the Pancake house in Kirkland before school. Of course, that had to wait so he could tear into his pressies. Lego city, and a Buzz the size of his sister.

Off to pancake house, then to school. At school, he was swarmed with his friends hugging him to say happy birthday. It was so warming to watch, they all lined up to hug him, and he had this huge smile on his face. Jane (who has celebrated all his bdays with him) probably gave him 10 hugs…. Later that day, dad got back over to celebrate with them and have some cupcakes. Immy even joined the party in his class. Everyone sang happy birthday 2x, before we headed out for dinner at home. Birthday dinner was tomato soup and grilled cheese sandwiches, followed by a huge chocolate cake, and candles……Of course, Gav and daddy got to finish the lego build out, that only took an hour.

He went off to bed completely exhausted, and with an ear to ear smile. Big hugs for everyone, and thank yous.

This weekend Immy got her big girl bed. We are on the 2nd night, and its taking some adjusting. She was very excited about it, but is hesitant and keeps getting up and putting on lights, and walking down the hall. It was funny the first 20 times….